When you mention the phrase 'church leadership,' most people think of a democracy ... "Of the people, by the people, and for the people". That seems reasonable enough, but it’s not exactly the way Pilgrim members prefer to run things around here.
A 'democratic' church, with a primary focus on the 'will of the people,' leaves little room for God, wouldn't you say? At Pilgrim, we do not try to control our own destiny; we ask God to be in control. We believe that God has richly blessed us ... with a humble and highly motivated staff and member leadership who graciously guide our efforts to do His will.
A brief BIO for each of our church staff members is featured below. If you are new to our church, feel free to e-mail any or all of our staff to introduce yourself, or just to ask a question. Click the 'Pilgrim Leadership' tab above for photos and names of our church officers and Church Council representatives.
Jay Gamelin
Pastor
Pastor Jay was born and raised a pastor's kid in the Tampa Bay area. He graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College with honors and then from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. He served First Lutheran Church in Norfolk Virginia and Jacob's Porch, a campus mission to The Ohio State University before joining Pilgrim in November of 2011.
Jay is married to Tia and has three sons, Abel, Free and Jude. Jay loves running, chopping wood, movies, Constant Comment tea, Mellow Mushroom pizza, and spending time playing legos with his children.
Mary Beth Parker
Director of Church Operations
Mary Beth was born in Sanford, Florida, and moved to the Lexington area in 1977. She is a 1988 graduate of Newberry College, with a degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, she was employed with the State Credit Union as the Director of Training and as a Branch Manager. She has been a member of the Pilgrim family since 1993, and has served as our Preschool Director, Community Life Director, and became our Director of Church Operations in 2004.
Mary Beth is an active member of the National Association of Church Administrators and serves on the SC Synod Council. She is married to Tony Parker. They spend most of their personal time at the hockey rink or at band competitions with their sons, Tyler and Ryan.
Anne Addy
Administrative Assistant
Anne was born in the Pilgrim Lutheran Church Community on Midway Road and now resides in the town of Lexington. She has been a member of Pilgrim for 55+ years.
Anne graduated from Lexington High School, Draughons’ Business College and attended USC. She was employed with the County of Lexington (Emergency Preparedness Division and the Treasurer’s Office) for 23 years. After retirement, she began working for Pilgrim Lutheran Church as secretary in 1995. Anne is a widow and she has three children ... two sons, Lin and Alan, a daughter, Barbara A. Parker, and three grandchildren.
Nancy Gibbons
Director of Music
Nancy Gibbons grew up long ago and far away in various towns in New Jersey. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wittenberg University, a Lutheran college in Springfield, Ohio, and has lived happily in South Carolina since 1988.
Nancy has served churches in Chapin, Columbia, Greenville and Simpsonville coordinating music ministry and directing choirs of all ages. She has worked as a public school music teacher at the high school and elementary levels. Nancy is honored to have served as a clinician and accompanist at Lutheridge Summer Music Week.
Nancy lives in Chapin with her husband, Rick, and children Susanna, Catie, and Geoffrey, as well as pets too numerous to mention. When not involved in musical activities, she enjoys gardening and cooking. Nancy encourages everyone to use the talents they’ve been given, whether through singing, playing an instrument, or simply making a joyful noise to the Lord!
Gina Metze
Financial Controller
Gina has only lived in South Carolina. Grew up in Chapin, married to Dion and moved to the Lexington with their daughter Breanna.
Gina has been an accountant since 1986. She has been the accountant for Pilgrim Community Preschool since 1996 and the accountant for Pilgrim Lutheran Church since 2006.
Gina is one of the video operators for the contemporary service. She is a member of the crochet ministry and participates in “chapel time” at the preschool.
Julie Fowler
Disciple Coordinator
Julie was born in Connecticut and lived in Florida and North Carolina before moving to South Carolina. She graduated from Irmo High School and attended USC. She worked in the banking industry for over 20 years before coming to Pilgrim. Julie, her husband Mark and son Sam joined Pilgrim Lutheran Church in early 2004. She started working with our members in 2005 and also works at Pilgrim Community Preschool.
When she is not enjoying her family and friends, Julie likes scrap booking, reading mysteries, trips to the coast and Gamecock Baseball.
It takes a lot of great people to make a great church.
We are fortunate to have some very dedicated folks providing leadership at Pilgrim.
 Meet our Church Officers & Church Council Representatives
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